Office 970-454-3411

Ezra 4

Good Morning “Steadfast, Not Distracted or Discouraged.”  Today we are in Ezra 4.

As Judah begins reconstruction of the Temple, first with the Altar of Sacrifice, then to the foundation - they are met with opposition.  

The same will always be true for us.  As we begin efforts to put away our sin as individuals and as a nation, and to rebuild The Temple of The Living God… we begin first with the Altar of Sacrifice - Jesus.  Our relationship with Him must be sure!  Do you know that you know that you know that you have given your life to Jesus (Philippians 2:13)?  Your humble repentant heart, and the actions that follow are your confirmation.  No one seeks righteous things on their own but only by The Holy Spirit moving in and through them (Romans 3:10-17).  Repentance is evidence.     Once assured of our relationship with Jesus - the foundation is fortified in worship to Him and only Him!  

Understand the evil one will not rest!  Opposition will come!  He will attack individually and nationally.  He will masquerade as those that appear genuine and interested in walking along side.  

“they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, “Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here.””
‭‭Ezra‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭

The Assyrians were pagan worshipers but had married Jews who worshiped YHWH The One True God.  Their worship wasn’t pure or real but homologated and circumstantial.  Zerubbabel wasn’t fooled.  His rebuke of them fuels a chain of events that ultimately results in false accusations and the kings order to stop construction.  It’ll be more than 15 years before they get back to it.  In the meantime they become distracted building their own houses etc.  

The Prophet Haggai wrote to Israel during this time of distraction, even rebuking them for using some of the fine materials reserved for the Temple in their own houses.  “Then the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate?” Haggai 1:3-4

What’s the lesson?  Expect opposition.  Remain dialed in The Word and constantly pressed into Him so that we may remain in tune to The Holy Spirit and recognize the attack.  Put on the full armor of God so that we are not discouraged or delayed in our devotion, commitment and worship (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Love you all!  Dig in!